2008年08月01日 Anniversary

Happy Anniversary
It’s my one year anniversary! Yep I’ve been in Japan for a year now! Time flies, right!? I’ve had my share of lifetime experiences (and then some!), Me and my old roommate Ivan used to joke about our Japan experience during the NOVA crisis. We came to Japan to explore a new country and meet new people and discover a new language and culture. But ended up getting more then we had bargained for.

A Recap
This including, dealing with the collapse of a major company. Which in turn led to months of not receiving wages and ultimately the loss of our jobs by the new year. We also faced eviction from our apartment (on Christmas mind you!). It seemed like we had all the struggles, but I have to say we were better of then most people.

Despite all the happenings, I have to say we kept an optimistic outlook on the whole thing. Even laughed! That’s the one thing I like about Ivan. Me and him are very optimistic and don’t worry so much. Sh*t happens and you deal with it as it comes.

By January I had only received one full pay check (August’s pay) and was living off savings from my Canadian account. I was moved into another NOVA apartment while the company was restructuring under new management. Though I was working for the new NOVA again and soon to receive wages… I by this time had worked two other jobs (one as an ALT and the other as a Pocket tissue hander-outer.). I was also dealing with trying to get my lost wages back from the Japanese government, which I did receive in time.

February led to another eviction by neo NOVA’s restructuring, so I decided to move into my own place in Kawaguchi which was a struggle on its on. I came back to the neo NOVA on a temporary basis as I was waiting for my new ALT job to start up in April. I had faced discrimination from the temporary ALT job I took before because they preferred to have a woman and while looking for an apartment I faced discrimination because I was ‘Caucasian’. But despite all that, I’ve learned and experienced a lot and came through and overcame the struggles.

The Present
Now I’m an ALT in Koshigaya. It’s been quite a ride so far, but I’m happy for the stability, If I’ve learned anything, it is that I hold stability in life as a priority, I wouldn’t change my experience. It made me a stronger person. I love how things turned out for the most part. Life goes on and we have to move along with it. I know it’s corny but, “when life gives you lemons make lemonade.” I can list a whole lord-ful of corny sayings that would apply to this blog. But as I look back it’s been a year of ups & downs, but none-the-less I’m happy to have come through it. Anyways Happy Anniversary to me (and Heather we came on the same plane to Japan). We survived where some couldn’t in our position. I’m sure she has a story too. Kudos!

Anyways getting ready for Osaka… see ya all in 5 days!

2008年07月23日 Mall Day

Dinner
After a pointless day at school (they have us working the last 2 weeks of July for god knows why!… There are no lessons cause of summer vacation, but ya anyways…) I asked Heather if she wanted to do dinner in my neck-of-the-woods. We ended up eating okonomiyaki at the mall and walking about.

At the okonomiyaki place waiting for our okonomiyaki to finish

Just a Little Rant
Okay… just to interrupt, I wanted to discuss the bracketed comment. I mean, GUY! There is only soo much I can do while there are no lessons or students! Japanese people have perfected the act of looking busy. But ahh! It drives me crazy! It’s soo pointless and a waste of time! They stay at work late for show only! I finished the weeks work and then some in like 2 hours! I’m still getting paid, but it’s just annoying! I could be on vacation like all the other ALTs in the other cities. I understand we have speech contests and summer classes, but the majority of the time is waste of time for the ALT. I just need to relax! Let July be over soon!
*end rant*

The Little Things Amuse Me
So back to the story. After dinner and walking and window-shopping. We went to the grocery store to pick up some ice cream and other cold sh*t cause it’s ridiculously hot! So I go to pay and I give the cashier the money, she gives me the change PLUS this coin. At this point I’m all confused at the sight of this coin. I was thinking to myself, “is this like Canadian Tire money or something.” But upon closer inspection it was a coin for dry ice to keep my items cold.

I don’t know if we have dry ice machines in Canadian grocery stores, but I was intrigued and had to document. :P I know lame, but I never seen such a thing as a dry ice machine.

おいしい水 (oishii mizu) and ドライアイス (doraiaisu)
The “tasty water” (aka mineral water) and dry ice machines

The instructions

You hookup your bag with your cold goods, insert the coin and press the button

TADA dry ice! Extra cold goods ready to go!

I was impressed still! I had never seen dry ice before. I must have been absent that day in science class or something! But I think I was a little too excited to say the least! ^^ I think I may have made the lady in the first picture a bit nervous. :P

2008年07月22日 Buddhas & Bags

The Buddha
Last weekend or so I went with Heather to do a little day exploring. I had heard about a Tokyo Daibutsu (Tokyo Buddha) near Itabashi. According to a website it’s like one of Tokyo’s “best kept secrets“. It’s the third largest sitting Buddha in Japan. It’s actually quite a nice statue. The grounds are quite beautiful. We didn’t have much time to poke around cause we were detoured at the neighboring botanical gardens where Heather had the opportunity to make a little art craft. A fun unexpected diversion! The Tokyo Daibutsu is found in Itabashi near Narimasu Station on the Tobu Tojo Line. About a 10 minute walk from the station.

Me in front of the Big Buddha of Tokyo at Joren-ji Temple

The Bag
We ended up in Ikebukuro for some drinks AND where I also found my potential man bag. LOL. It was more expensive than I had wanted (I always choose the expensive sh*t) so I didn’t get it. But I’m tempted to go back to Ikebukuro and get it! There was also this nice bag at UNIQLO that I wanted for work purposes. I think it’s time to retire my Jansport bag, despite its life time warranty deal and spend some cash!

The one thing the NOVA collapse did to me was make me very cautious on what I spend my money on. It goes back to the whole me needing a new digital camera, but me thinking I shouldn’t be spending $300 or so on such things, when I have rent, bills and stuff like that to attend to. But I digress, I’m gonna tell that part of me to shut the f*ck up and buy things that make me happy! Or at least try to! :P

The Random
Also it’s about 20 days until I’m off to Toronto. (My friends) please let me know if there’s anything you want, if not you get what I decide or nothing at all! Haha… again it’s that cautious money spending part of me saying this. I’m not just being rude… I swear! ;)

Video: BoA - Sparkling / Crystal Kay - One

BoA
BoA finally has a song that I like. Mind you it’s not a favorite or anything, but I do like it. BoA’s latest stuff hasn’t been really connecting with me. Kind of hit & miss with me. But every so often she comes out with something that I enjoy. Meh, we can’t all be pleased! But I respect her as an artist. I do have one problem with this video… the talking microphone towards the end. That just bugs me!

BoA - Sparkling

Crystal Kay
Kuri also has a new one out too. As far as I can tell its all about friendship. Don’t quote me or anything as I’m no expert at translating Japanese. But I do hear the word tomodachi (friend) that leads me to that conclusion along with the visual queues. PLUS, balloons are always a winner!

Crystal Kay - One

2008年07月16日 I’m Coming Home!

The Homecoming!
Okay, it’s official! I’m coming home!… Well not quite for good just yet, but for a visit. So tell the troops cause I’ll be home August 10-22. So for my friends ya’ll better make yourselves available to see my ass cause it’s been a year! This trip almost didn’t happen cause the price for flying out of Japan is mad high this time of year. But I managed to find a decent enough priced flight out! Sugoi ne!

I’m only mentioning my plans on my blog and on Facebook. I did this cause I can’t be calling up everyone with the news. Let the internet communicate the word for me. I’m not saying a word other than through electronic means. So if you don’t use a computer then you probably won’t know I’m in Toronto. Get with the program cause it’s the 21st Century! Get a modem!

2008年07月15日 Hot Summer

Mushiatsui!!!
I swear man! I think this summer is worse than last! I think the reason behind this is that at NOVA we were in a nice air-conditioned shopping complex. Now I’m working at a public school… need I say more? Actually we have air-conditioning in the teacher’s room, but it’s never on (I think only once so far). I’m sweating away here! Oh lordie, I wish I had some ice cream and was roaming around naked! Japan is not fun in summer! Everyone is hot and sticky and gross! I think the temperature feels like 33C today! And OH YES, it gets worse! Sufficed to say it’s like a sweaty fat kid’s armpit in Tokyo! I’ve been drinking cold green tea and this grape jello drink, which I can’t get enough of. I should also stock up on Aquarius to beat the heat too!

美味しい!!!

Summer Vacation
I can’t wait for school to be done! Heather invited me along to go to Osaka in early August so she can see a friend of hers, I had been to Osaka once before, but not long enough to appreciate it (like an evening only).

I really wanna fly off somewhere. The idea was Singapore to visit a friend, but August is mad expensive to fly out of Japan. But I’m hoping to venture off somewhere. My working visa is ready at the office so it’s just a matter of booking and financing from here-on-out I hope. Mom says she has a cousin in Singapore that I could probably stay with. It’s definitely worth some consideration.

We have a long weekend coming up (Marine/Ocean Day海の日　(Umi no hi)) and I’m hoping to visit Enoshima. It was really close to Kamakura when we went last, but we didn’t have time to make it down that way. I think a Round 2 is definitely in order.

2008年07月09日 A Tokyo Weekend

Kristel Returns
Though I think only for week I think we all agreed that we were happy to see her again. She’s off to teach this summer in Shanghai. Her friend Tomas is making the trek with her. I made my way to Shinagawa for her bowling party. We had been to this particular bowling alley before (the one inside the Prince Hotel), but of course I still managed to get lost! Though to my credit I’m never in Shinagawa. ^^

She had brought some candies from America and of course a toothbrush and whole bunch of floss for the winners! :P Oh and condoms! :P

The (half eaten) candy and various dental hygiene products

Kristel and I sucking on some lollie pops

Afterwards we headed out to eat. We walked around a bit but ended up at Outback. There are a lot of Western style restaurant in Shinagawa and a whole lot of hotels. I don’t know why that’s so… there’s nothing much in Shinagawa in my opinion, but I guess they gotta have something… I’m just not aware of it.

I ended up staying over in Yukigaya-otsuka. Hanging out and relaxing. Ultimately just sleeping. The next morning we set out to buy Kristel’s yukata for Marjorie & Tyson’s wedding party in Ebisu that evening. Kristel had led Me and Sam to what she thought was a shortcut to the store, which it totally wasn’t. Summer has officially arrived in Tokyo. It’s was like 30C+ and so hot and humid and will only get worse come August! I’m not looking forward to it! Mushiatsui ne!… anyways ya, we made it to the store and we got the goods in the end despite the weather.

Kristel in her yukata (as seen at the party) with Asuka.

Marjorie & Tyson’s Party
I had gone home and made my way to Ebisu. As always I was running late, but what’s new! The party was at this nice Nepalese restaurant called Khumbila. Try the Nepalese green taco thing. Oishii! I was totally a fan of that! It reminds me of those days when I used to eat Jamaican patties… like those real homemade ones, not the ones you get at the convenience stores. LOL natsukashii (sort of).

The Nepalese taco thing (sorry I don’t know the real name^^)

This is what goes into the “taco” (I also don’t know it’s name ^^)

I have to say it was pretty emotional evening. They had written a song changing the lyrics to Sweet Home Alabama and retitled it Sweet Home ‘lanta Georgia (& Tokyo). Naturally since that’s where Marjorie is from. It was soo sweet! The staff even came out and did a song and dance which was quite entertaining!

James & Maya get us all to sing!

Sam, Me and Marjorie

Marjorie & Tyson

The night ended atop a rooftop bar (that was poorly lit, but daijoubu!… It’s okay!) I think it was called Neuf Cafe. It was cool, especially amongst friends. But ya if you feel like exploring and googling for directions…

東京都渋谷区恵比寿南1-9-11
TEL：03-3719-6115
Khumbila

東京都渋谷区恵比寿西1-3-2
TEL:03-5459-3399
Neuf Cafe (ヌフカフェ) (Toei Bldg 9F)

….congrats Marjorie & Tyson!!!

2008年07月01日 The Revisiting

Kamakura Revisited
Me and Heather made out way to Kamakura this weekend! It was a diversion (but mad tiring) and despite it being cloudy and nature not allowing me to get browned-up it was still good… I suppose.

We visited a bunch of temples and shrines. One thing to keep in mind when you visit Japan is that you can get the temple-shrine overdose! Towards the end I think I O.D.’d! LOL!

Me and Monica had visited Kamakura back in… February(?). It was dead in comparison to when me and Heather went. I suppose because it was the winter season and we went during a weekday. I guess that can explain the reduction in traffic congestion.

If you want a more in-depth and historical narration feel free to checkout Heather’s blog. But for those who read my blog feel free to view some of the shots of our day trip. I think overall I managed to get some good pics. All available on my flickr if you wanna see all of them. FYI, there were a lot of triforce sightings.

At the entrance to some shrine or temple, which I can’t recall^^

Zeniarai Benzaiten Shrine, home to many triforce sightings

Yet another triforce… actually it’s the Hōjō family crest, ubiquitous to Kamakura

At a small waterfall at Zeniarai Benzaiten Shrine

Making way up to Sasuke Inari Shrine

Near the large torii near Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gū

Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gū, symbol of Kamakura, Japan

That day was so filled! I saw a shinto style wedding at Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gū. I saw a random duck sleeping amongst pedestrian traffic (…possible sick or dying :S). And of course I saw the Big Buddha at Kōtoku-in.

I think my favorite place was Zeniarai Benzaiten Shrine. You can wash your money here in hopes for good fortune and wealth to increase. I don’t think it worked. Anyhow, the money I washed is long spent so we’ll never know of the untold fortunes I would have received. :P

A return to the Senju
After Kamakura I headed down to the Senju (Minamisenju)… my so-called “Japanese hometown” to get my haircut. The guy who does my hair says he gonna dye his hair the same color as mine. LOL, nice! I love that I inspire! My hair is not black, more so brown I suppose. You often can’t tell cause I have product in it all the time. He says its like an ashy brown. I just know I always get complimented on my hair color and how soft it is. Thanks random shampoos & conditioners I use! ^^

Last time I was in the area, it hadn’t changed much. For those who know… they had just finished the construction of the 4th Minamisenju tower, but that was months ago. So I get out of the station and right next door is a new plaza! I mean I was there a month ago and there was nothing there really. I knew something was gonna appear in that spot, but I wasn’t expecting it so soon. I was telling Heather before we parted ways that I was jonesing for some McDonald’s, but there’s no McDonald’s in Minamisenju other then the one near Minowa Station. BUT! Long and behold there’s one now! A McDonald’s right next to the station. Lucky my fat ass doesn’t live there anymore cause that’s too convenient.

The Minamisenju McDonald’s (with patio)
and also the salsa chicken burger set I ordered :9

So I got my hair did and decided to walk around the old neighborhood. The west exit side is still the same - a few new shops and signs nothing much. I even decided to be stalker-ish and check out the old apartment. ^^ I didn’t get far as I don’t have the key to the main entrance, but I did see who lives in Me & Ivan’s old place… I bet it’s the same person I saw with the Realtor and landlady just before Christmas! Good times (read the sarcasm).

2008年06月30日 Tired!

Aaaah Tsukareta
I am soo tired these days. I’m not overworked per-say, but you know when you’re in a routine too long and you need a change of pace… well that’s where I’m at. I just want a vacation - a distraction. What that might be has yet to be determined. This will all depend on how long it takes to renew my work visa if I want any major plans..

Summer vacation begins August. The board of education for my city is reevaluating when ALTs will start summer vacation. For starters, students are done 3rd week of July AND they want me to work the last week of July. What d’want me to do with no students around! F*cken scratch me ass all day?! I do enough of that…LOL! Anyways I hope they make a decision to give us the last week off cause it’s pointless for me to be at school that week.

Abigail’s Brother in Town
I met up with my friend Abs’ brother this past Friday for some dinner in Shinjuku. Chilled a bit there and went to Shibuya before heading home. I was telling him about my many adventures in Japan. And now, come to think about it you could write a book about what I’ve done and experienced. Such things can be read here on my blog… and the rest … well, are stored in the Disney vault so-to-speak. :P Here are some pics we took at purikura. He hadn’t done purikura yet! *SAY WHAAA!* It’s like a MUST do while in Japan! Random tangent… that day was mad tiring as the night before I had only 3 hours sleep cause I was chatting online with friends talking about NOTHING as always. I swear I almost past out at school. Though no one would care, I think, cause I be seeing teachers napping in the teacher’s room all the time! OK anyways, so now for those pictures… I’m like a f*cken purikura pro…LOL

  

Why you got to be holding a shopping bag… amateur! LOL Jokes!

2008年06月27日 The Writing on the Wall…um I mean Desk!

*Yawn*
The 3rd Years were away in Kyoto and in general this weeks has been quite uneventful for me lesson wise. It reminds me of that time when NOVA started up again under G Communications and we had so many instructors but no students, so all we did was play poker! :P But I can’t be playing poker at school… perish the thought! As always I just look busy and make frequent stops to the bathroom so my ass doesn’t fall asleep at my desk! :P

Wednesday I was bored out of my mind! I had finished all my prep work and even the prep work for my elementary schools. I had even studies conjugation of Japanese verbs… THAT’s how bored I was! I decided to stretch my legs and walk the 3rd Year’s floor since all of them are in Kyoto and the floor is deserted.

Oh Me Oh My!
A Japanese classroom is relatively unremarkable to me. They’re more-or-less the same. Though what stuck out (and I wonder if other ALTs have this at their schools) is students’ write on their desks. And I don’t mean small scribbles, but write up on their ENTIRE desks! I must admit it looks visually pleasing :P, but that would never pass back home. F*cken get booked for that! Anyways I took a few cellphone shots just to show you guys the extent. Any remarks?